Radhika Apte, known for her versatility across Indian cinema, recently opened up about a deeply uncomfortable experience she faced while working on certain South Indian film sets. The actor, who has worked in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, shared that not all of her experiences in regional cinema were positive—though she was careful not to single out any specific film or industry.

In a candid conversation with her Saali Mohabbat co-star Divyenndu Sharma for Screen, Radhika recalled how financial necessity influenced some of her early career choices. “I did some South Indian films because I really needed money,” she admitted. However, she was quick to clarify that her experience does not reflect the entire industry. “There is such good cinema also, especially in South India. I am not trying to blanket South Indian films because there is incredible cinema in each industry.”

Despite this, Radhika revealed that working on certain projects proved emotionally challenging. Recounting one particularly jarring incident, she said she realized she was the only woman on set while shooting in a small town. “They wanted to add more padding on my bum and my breasts,” she recalled. “They kept saying, ‘More padding amma!’ and I was like, how much more padding?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Radhika (@radhikaofficial)

Shocked by the request, Radhika pushed back. “I asked, ‘How much rounder will you make somebody?’” she said. She eventually refused and asked the team to inform the director that she would not agree to padding. What made the experience even more unsettling, she explained, was the lack of support. “I had no manager, no agent, and the entire team was men. That was the first time I realised—oh my goodness.”

The incident left a lasting impact on the actor, highlighting the isolation many women face in male-dominated film environments, especially early in their careers.

Radhika has previously appeared in Tamil films such as All in All Azhagu Raja, Vetri Selvan, and the Rajinikanth-starrer Kabali. She also worked in Telugu cinema in Legend, opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Most recently, the actor has been seen in two OTT releases—Saali Mohabbat on Zee5 and Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders on Netflix—continuing her streak of powerful, unconventional roles.

Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has been making waves ever since its release, emerging as one of the most talked-about films of the year. From its gripping storyline and stellar performances to its impressive box office numbers, the film has struck a strong chord with audiences across the country. Among the many elements generating buzz, one standout feature has been the song Shararat, an item track featuring Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza, which has quickly become a fan favourite.

Now, choreographer Vijay Ganguly has revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about the making of Shararat. In a recent interaction with Filmygyan, Vijay shared that he had initially envisioned Tamannaah Bhatia performing the song. However, director Aditya Dhar firmly rejected the idea, choosing instead to approach the song in a way that stayed true to the film’s narrative.

Explaining the director’s perspective, Vijay said that Aditya Dhar was very clear about not wanting a traditional “item song” that felt disconnected from the storyline. “Aditya was very clear that he did not want what people call an item song, something that went out of the story,” Vijay explained. He added that if the song had featured just one high-profile star, it could have shifted the audience’s focus away from the film’s core narrative.

According to Vijay, this is precisely why Shararat features two performers instead of one. “If it were just about one girl, it would have taken attention away from the story. That’s why there are two girls, not one. He didn’t want the attention to be about this one person,” he said. Vijay further noted that had Tamannaah been cast, the conversation around the song might have revolved entirely around her presence rather than its place in the film. “If it was Tamannaah, it would’ve been about her and not the story,” he added.

The choreographer emphasized that Dhurandhar is a film with a lot happening narratively, and inserting a standalone glamour number could have disrupted the flow. “Jo ho raha tha film mein, there was a lot going on, and if you go away from the story, then the song is just a cut-to song,” Vijay explained, highlighting Dhar’s commitment to storytelling over spectacle.

Meanwhile, the performers who ultimately featured in Shararat have been receiving widespread appreciation. Ayesha Khan recently took to Instagram to share a series of behind-the-scenes pictures from the song’s shoot. The post included photographs with director Aditya Dhar, members of the crew, and a snapshot with co-performer Krystle D’Souza. Expressing her excitement and gratitude, Ayesha wrote, “Am I a part of Dhurandhar??? Someone please pinch me!!! I watched the movie yesterday and I have no words to describe the world that Aditya Dhar has created!!! Fifteen minutes into the film and you forget that the ‘ACTORS’ are ‘STARS’. All you see is the world and the characters Aditya sir and team have built!!”

Krystle D’Souza has also spoken about the overwhelming response she has received for Shararat. The actress shared that her social media inbox has been flooded with dance reels, fan-made covers, and screenshots of viewers’ favourite moments from the song. For Krystle, the love feels especially rewarding because the performance came from a place of genuine enjoyment. She described the experience as deeply fulfilling, noting that it reaffirmed her passion for dance and performance.

Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is inspired by real-life incidents linked to geopolitical conflict and covert R&AW operations. The film draws particular influence from events surrounding Operation Lyari, a Pakistan-led crackdown on criminal syndicates operating in Karachi’s Lyari region. This grounded yet intense backdrop adds to the film’s authenticity and gravitas.

The film features a powerful ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. They are joined by Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, all of whom play significant roles in the narrative. The performances have been widely praised for their depth and intensity.

Dhurandhar is the first installment in a planned two-part series and has received immense acclaim from both critics and audiences. The film’s direction, cinematography, immersive atmosphere, and impactful music have been singled out for praise, further cementing its status as a major cinematic success. With anticipation already building, Dhurandhar Part 2 is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, promising to continue the high-stakes story that has captivated viewers.

The first look of Kiara Advani’s character from the much-anticipated film ToxicToxicA Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups was unveiled on Sunday morning, instantly sparking excitement across social media. The poster, which introduces Kiara as Nadia, was shared by the film’s leading man Yash on his Instagram account and was later cross-posted by Kiara Advani herself as well as the official handles of the film.

Toxic marks a significant milestone in Kiara Advani’s career, as it is her first film release since she embraced motherhood earlier this year. The film is also highly important for Yash, as it will be his first release since the conclusion of the blockbuster KGF franchise in 2022, which cemented his status as a pan-India superstar.

Sharing the poster on Instagram, Yash wrote, “Introducing Kiara Advani as NADIA in – A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups.” The announcement was met with an overwhelming response from fans, who praised both the visual aesthetics and the intriguing tone suggested by the first look.

In the poster, Kiara Advani is seen standing alone in the spotlight on what appears to be a dance floor. She is dressed in a striking black off-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit, exuding elegance mixed with vulnerability. Kiara’s character is turned slightly away from the camera, her face marked by a pensive expression. Tears can be seen streaming down her face, adding an emotional depth to the image. The dark, dramatic lighting and styling give the poster a moody, almost gothic vibe, hinting at the complex emotional journey of her character, Nadia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yash (@thenameisyash)

The unconventional look immediately caught the attention of fans, many of whom drew comparisons to characters from filmmaker Tim Burton’s dark fantasy universe. Others likened Kiara’s appearance to DC Comics’ iconic character Harley Quinn, noting the blend of fragility and intensity portrayed in the poster. One social media user commented, “She looks like lady Joker,” while another wrote, “Kiara as Nadia looks powerful already.” Several fans also praised Kiara for stepping into a bold and visually striking role that appears to be very different from her previous screen personas.

Fans of Yash were equally vocal in the comments section, expressing excitement and high expectations for Toxic. Many believe the film could break box office records, given Yash’s massive popularity following the KGF films. Directed by Prasanth Neel, KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2 collectively grossed over ₹1500 crore worldwide and transformed Yash from a leading Kannada actor into one of the most recognizable stars in Indian cinema.

Toxic is being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Geethu Mohandas, known for her distinctive storytelling style and artistic sensibilities. With this project, she is venturing into a darker, stylized narrative space, as suggested by the film’s subtitle, A Fairy Tale for Adults. The title itself hints at a layered story that blends fantasy, realism, and emotional complexity.

Apart from Yash and Kiara Advani, the film boasts a strong ensemble cast that includes Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair. Each actor is expected to bring a unique dimension to the narrative, making Toxic one of the most ambitious multi-starrer projects currently in production.

Adding to its scale, Toxic has been simultaneously shot in both Kannada and English, signaling the makers’ intention to reach a global audience. The film is scheduled for release in six languages, further reinforcing its pan-India and international appeal. The theatrical release date has been locked for March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festival of Ugadi, which traditionally marks new beginnings — a fitting backdrop for such a major cinematic event.

With its striking visuals, intriguing character reveals, and the combination of Yash’s star power and Kiara Advani’s compelling screen presence, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has already positioned itself as one of the most awaited films of the coming years. As anticipation continues to build, fans are eagerly waiting for more glimpses into the dark and fascinating world that the film promises to explore.

Salman Khan is currently occupied with wrapping up the shooting of his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, and while fans are eagerly tracking his next moves, fresh speculation has emerged around one of his most anticipated projects — Kick 2. Recently, reports suggested that the superstar is planning to officially announce the sequel to his 2014 blockbuster Kick on his birthday, sparking widespread excitement across the film industry and among his fanbase.

Adding fuel to the buzz, some media reports claimed that actress Kriti Sanon might replace Jacqueline Fernandez as the female lead in Kick 2. However, a new update has now dismissed these claims, clarifying that no such casting changes have been finalized or even discussed at this stage.

According to a source close to the development, Bollywood Hungama was informed that all current reports related to Kick 2 are untrue. The source stated, “All reports doing the rounds about Kick 2, including speculation around casting changes, are completely false and baseless. No official details have been planned, and the makers will share information only when the time is right.” This clarification makes it clear that fans should take ongoing rumors with caution until an official announcement is made by the film’s team.

It is worth noting that the sequel to Kick was officially confirmed back in 2024 by producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The filmmaker had shared an image from Salman Khan’s photoshoot for Kick 2, which immediately went viral on social media. Interestingly, the photoshoot took place while Salman was already busy shooting for another film, Sikander, alongside Rashmika Mandanna.

Sajid Nadiadwala shared the photo on the Instagram captioning it, “It was a great Kick 2 photoshoot Sikandar….!!! From Grand Sajid Nadiadwala.” In the image, Salman Khan was seen standing with his back towards the camera, wearing a black ganji and positioned in front of several luxury cars — a visual that strongly echoed the stylish and edgy tone of Kick.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nadiadwala Grandson (@nadiadwalagrandson)

Earlier reports had also suggested that Sajid Nadiadwala was planning to take Kick 2 on floors sometime in 2025. A Mid-Day report revealed that scheduling remains a major challenge, given Sajid’s multiple responsibilities as a producer and director. The report stated that he would need to carefully figure out timelines, as he is overseeing several projects under his banner. The filmmaker reportedly wants to ensure smooth execution across all productions before dedicating his complete focus to directing Kick 2.

Sajid Nadiadwala has previously spoken at length about his emotional connection with the Kick franchise. The original film marked his debut as a director and went on to become one of Salman Khan’s biggest commercial successes. Expressing his fondness for the project, Sajid had said that Kick remains his favorite intellectual property to date.

“I launched myself as a director with Kick, and that’s my favourite IP,” Sajid said in an earlier interview. “The moment I speak about Kick, I get messages from the industry, and even the digital world is flooded with questions about when Kick 2 will go on floors.”

He further assured fans that the sequel is very much in the works. According to Sajid, the subject of Kick 2 has already been finalized and is completely written. However, he emphasized that the film requires the right timing and scale. “We need a bigger scale and a better time for its release. We need cinema consumption back in fashion for us to make Kick. Once we are back to normal, I will be ready to take Kick 2 on floors,” he told Pinkvilla.

For now, while excitement around Kick 2 continues to grow, the makers are choosing to stay tight-lipped. With rumors being officially denied and no concrete details revealed yet, fans will have to wait patiently for an authentic announcement regarding the film’s cast, timeline, and release plans.